U-NEXT & TBS Align for Samurai Drama

Japanese streamer U-NEXT and Tokyo Broadcasting System Television are joining forces on an untitled “Japanese sword action” drama series.

“This project links broadcasting and streaming in a brand-new way,” said Tenshin Tsutsumi, president and representative director of U-NEXT, about the new series, which taps into the interest in Japanese period dramas—jidaigeki—and samurai culture.

This marks the first collaboration between U-NEXT, TBS and THE SEVEN, which produces Alice in Borderland for Netflix. Its chief producer, Akira Morii, is leading the new series alongside producers Mamoru Inoue and Kazuya Shimomura and director Kazutaka Watanabe. The script is penned by Masaaki Sakai.

“This is a historic moment for Japanese entertainment,” said Masamine Ryuuho, president and representative director at Tokyo Broadcasting System Television. “To challenge the world with partners like THE SEVEN, which keeps creating global hits, and U-NEXT, which drives Japan’s streaming content industry, is truly exciting. I believe this project will thrill audiences everywhere and become a new landmark in Japanese drama. Don’t miss this moment.”